Little Heroes Foundation is excited to announce that the EJ Whitten Legends game is coming to Adelaide on Friday, 31st August, during the bye round before the AFL finals!

Ongoing talks between Little Heroes Foundation, the EJ Whitten Foundation and the AFL have resulted the merging of the EJ Whitten Legends game and our annual Slowdown in 2018!

Speaking exclusively to The Advertiser yesterday, Little Heroes Foundation Chairman Chris McDermott said he looks forward to seeing the game hosted at Adelaide Oval, and to also bring State of Origin footy to South Australian fans again!

“I think it’s just perfect; there’s such sportsmanship throughout such a great era with State of Origin footy so to do it 20 years later will be a lot of fun. Teddy (Whitten Jnr) and I have been speaking together for a couple of years and it’s always been on the agenda for the two organisations to meet.

“Both games could do with a shot in the arm, and it’s been tough the last couple of years, but both have really good products and to join forces will be really great for the game and both charities.”

Ted Whitten Jnr, son of the late EJ Whitten (whose passing from prostate cancer inspired the EJ Whitten Foundation’s formation in 1995) is also excited to be bringing not only the game, but also the important message of men’s health to South Australia.

“He (dad) had a love-hate relationship (with South Australia) but he had a lot of good friends over here and really enjoyed playing against the superstars of SA,” Whitten Jnr said.

“The opportunity to bring it over to South Australians who love their footy and put out our message about men’s health and prostate cancer awareness is great and the involvement with Little Heroes is outstanding.”

Adelaide Crows legend Mark Ricciuto said he was excited to be pulling the boots on again for a good cause, even if it means risking a soft tissue injury!

“Hopefully we can get 50,000 people here on a Friday night, everyone loves State of Origin footy and everyone loves beating the Vics so that’s what we’re going to try and do,” he said.

“There’ll be plenty of doctors and physios and chiropractors and witch doctors here on the night to try and get the boys up, but the players are willing to risk a few soft tissue injuries for a good cause."

Having never played in a Slowdown or EJ Whitten Legends game since retiring from the AFL in 2013, Port Adelaide premiership ruckman Dean Brogan said he is looking forward to seeing some big names take to the field once again.

“I’ve got no excuses now, it’s for a great cause and I’ve moved back to Adelaide (from Sydney) so I’d love to play,” he said.

“We’ve got this wonderful stadium and Adelaide people love their footy and some of the names that have been thrown around, I think it will be a great game.”